US Consul inaugurates training for Madrassas at MANUU

Hyderabad: Educational institutions and teachers all over the world are united by a shared commitment to provide quality education to the students so as to prepare them to be global citizens in the 21st century. Ms. Katherine Hadda, US Consul General, Hyderabad expressed this view today at Maulana Azad National Urdu University while inaugurating a two-day training programme for English language teachers of Madrassas from South India.

Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, Vice-Chancellor, MANUU presided over the inaugural. “Although you come from geographically diverse locations, you are all engaged in a similar venture: educating young people in institutions that predominantly serve the Muslim community”, she said while addressing around 90 participants from Telangana, Kerala and Karnataka besides Union Territory of Pudduchery.

“United States is involved in initiatives addressing a broad range of educational issues – from basic literacy to entrepreneurial instruction to higher education opportunities – often our English language training programs make greatest impact in communities that have historically faced the greatest challenges in accessing quality education,” she informed while elaborating the purpose of the training.

The training programme is organized by Regional English Language Office, US Embassy, New Delhi with the support of World Learning, a Washington D.C. based non-profit organization. Centre for Professional Development of Urdu Medium Teachers and Training & Placement cell, MANUU are providing logistical assistance in hosting the programme.

Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz in his presidential address called MANUU as one of the largest institutions in the sub-continent offering higher education through Urdu medium. He outlined the details of various bridge courses being offered by MANUU to facilitate the entry of madrassa graduates into mainstream education. MANUU is the only University offering bridge courses ranging from sciences, arts, social sciences and commerce to computers & information technology. The university has a special relation with madrassas, he remarked.

Dr. Lois Scott Conley, a trainer with World Learning, briefed the participants about the nature of the training. This is the second phase of blended teachers training programme, she said. The first phase was held at MANUU in January this year.